The Federal Government has called on the National Council on Education (NCE), to streamline the Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) to achieve a compulsory 12 years of uninterrupted basic education.
This means that the current 6-3-3-4 education system would be harmonised with a 12-4 model of education in the country.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, the approval of the NCE would allow the FG to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement into the country’s tertiary institutions.
Alausa stated that besides being in line with global best practices, by subsuming secondary education into basic education, students would benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16, after which they could aspire for higher education.
He said the new policy would also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment,” he said, adding that ” many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels. This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.
“Educated youth contribute significantly to national development. When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also reduce child labour and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts”.
The minister highlighted the implementation strategies to successfully integrate secondary education into basic education to include: policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, funding and partnerships, and curriculum enhancement.
“Incorporating technical, vocational, and digital literacy education to equip students with 21st-century skills from their early stage of education.”
Explaining further on Friday, the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, stated that the proposal does not replace the existing 6-3-3 education structure but rather aims to streamline the transition process for students.
Boriowo stated that the plan seeks to remove the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless progression without the hurdle of an external assessment at that stage.
She said, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to misleading reports suggesting that the Federal Government has scrapped Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) and replaced them with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
“We wish to categorically state that this is not true.
“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the 6-3-3 structure.
“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless transition without the hurdles of an external assessment at that stage. However, this is still subject to consultation and deliberation.”
Boriowo further assured that the Federal Government will engage stakeholders over the next eight months, consulting with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players before making a final decision at the October 2025 National Council on Education Meeting.
“The ministry urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices,” the statement added.
